We sort out the skinnies from the flares and ask the experts for their view on jean wearing.
Skinny jeans/jeggings
- Suit those with long legs and a slender build - wear with an oversize top for balance.
- But for pear shapes pick a pair with lots of stretch.
Straight leg jeans
- This is a timeless style that runs straight from the hip to the ankle.
- Suits most body types as they lengthen and balance.
- Not brilliant for curves though as straight leg jeans sit on the hip which may be the widest point.
- Look good with heels.
Boyfriend jeans
- Loose and comfortable, relaxed all the way through the leg.
- Great for those with curves to cover and those leaner to give some volume and shape.
Bootcut jeans
- Fitting snug to the thigh and flaring out from the knee.
- Good for curves to give an even silhouette.
- Pick ones with higher waists and some stretch.
Flared jeans
- Add shape and accentuate slim thighs.
- Great for those with broad shoulders and narrow hips.
What the experts say about jeans
Charlie Anderson, fashion stylist and yoga teacher (stellacreativeartists.com and Instagram.com/charlieyogauk):
Charlie’s top jeans tips
1. Invest in quality jeans - yes ones for over £100 might seem like a huge amount of money but it is far better to invest on one pair that will last than buy six cheap pairs that look, well, cheap. Plus, once you find a brand and cut that you like subsequent sale shopping will reap huge rewards. Net-a-porter regularly has name brands at the £50 mark when they have a sale.
2. Learn from past mistakes - how many pairs of 'fad' denim jeans are sitting in your wardrobe or have long since been thrown away? Spend that money wisely on mid-blue, slim to skinny fitting jeans - full length styles are best and a high rise waist is definitely the chicest (and most functional) cut.
3. If you can't breathe comfortably in your jeans ditch them! They may flatten your stomach in the short term but if you can't breathe into your belly area then the abdominal muscles aren't being used.
Breathing fully into our bellies (not just upper chest breathing which is what usually happens in too tight jeans) not only tones the belly but also induces a calm relaxed frame of mind.
Linda Duberley (www.duberleymedia.co.uk), 57, TV presenter, coach and jeans addict:
Linda’s top jeans tips
“Joan Collins once said that once you are over 50 you should choose dark, classic denim jeans. She has a point - but that is not the whole picture. As you get older jeans need to fit but never squeeze. Silhouette is everything. Can a woman over fifty rock a 1970s flare or a skinny leg motorcycle pair of jeans? Yes - but get the cut and the material right and be prepared to make an investment. Go for premium denim and always, always get them altered to fit if need be."
Brands Linda recommends: Citizens of Humanity, Notify, 7 For All Mankind, James Jeans
Rebecca Furbank, owner of womenswear shop Anne Furbank in Cambridge (www.annefurbank.co.uk) whose core customers are women 45+:
Rebecca’s top jeans tips
1. With jeans it is best to opt for a darker denim colour, rather than a washed-out denim. They will look slightly smarter and they will be more flattering. Also avoid ripped and bleached denim.
2. Boot cut jeans are a great option, particularly if worn with a higher heel as they will make you look a lot slimmer.
3. If you are wearing skinny jeans then make sure the tops you choose are loose – tunics look great with a skinny leg.
4. Jeans will automatically make you look younger, so keep the tops and accessories simple and classy.
